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This Sunday’s Worship Opportunities
Traditional Worship | 9:30 & 11:00 am | Sanctuary | Rev. Casey Orr
DiscipleChurch | Community Breakfast | 7:30 am | Wesley Hall
Chapel | 8:30 am | Rev. Brooks Harrington
Discussion Groups | 9:30 am
Chapel Communion | 10:30 am | Chapel | Dr. Len Delony
eleven:eleven celebration | 11:11 am | Wesley Hall | Rev. Tom McDermott
First 7th | Worship | 5:30 pm | Wesley Hall | Rev. Lance Marshall
Social Hangout at Oliver’s | 6:30 pm | 415 Throckmorton Street
A Great Big Blessing
Rev. Casey Orr
This week, we will find ourselves challenged by the poetic (and rambling) language of the opening passage of Ephesians. On the surface, it feels like a messy string of church vocabulary words meant to confuse us to our core. As we settle into it though, this text paints a picture for us of God’s unrelenting determination to bless humanity.
These verses are a reminder that God’s love for us is great. By grace, it is promised. We might struggle to hear this message, but kids don’t have as much trouble with this, do they? I wonder if it’s because we are so faithful to tell them all the time. “I love you.” “God loves you.” “You are special.” “You are precious.” “Jesus loves you.” We even sing with them:
Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong; they are weak, but he is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
But something happens to all of us as we grow up. People stop telling us so much. We find reasons to question our worth and we sometimes doubt God’s love for us.
This passage from Ephesians reignites that overwhelming sense of our belovedness that many of us had as children. It dismisses our guilt, our self-rejection, our hopelessness. It speaks to each of us and reminds us of God’s profoundly gracious love for us — still today. Remember the last verse of that sweet song:
Jesus loves me still today, walking with me on my way,
Wanting as a friend to give light and love to all who live.
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
You are loved! I look forward to seeing you Sunday!
Casey
Click here to see classes meeting on Sunday, July 12
Every Sunday morning, groups of adults meet in FUMCFW Sunday School Classes to enhance their spiritual growth and enjoy fellowship with other Christians. We have classes for a variety of demographic groups, with many different class personalities and styles. Visit the Adult Sunday School page to learn more!
Click here to see who’s blogging this week, posted each Friday!
Throughout each week, our FUMCFW bloggers (staff, lay leaders and others wanting to share thoughts and information related to First Church programs, events, and activities) write on a variety of topics. And, while you can always find the latest posts on our blogs link at the top of every page, we also send each week’s collection out each Friday under the Who’s Blogging This Week subject line.
Click here to see a list of upcoming programs and events
Beyond Our Walls
This year at VBS, our Kid to Kid Mission Store will benefit children in our own city, as well as children halfway around the world! Each day right before and after VBS our Super Sixers will run the store right outside Wesley Hall. VBS kids are encouraged to bring $1 each day to help provide back-to-school supplies for our friends at T.A. Sims Elementary School. In addition, the proceeds from the Mission Store will go to the friends we’ve made in Kenya as part of the African Orphan Endeavor.
Costa Rica Team to Leave July 10
Since 2006, 12 mission teams totaling over 200 volunteers from FUMCFW have traveled to Costa Rica to do everything from construction work to leading Children’s Vacation Bible School — and a host of things in between! These teams worship with brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, grandparents, youth and children who share our love of Christ. This Friday, July 10, Rev. Chuck Graff and 17 people from FUMCFW — including Dr. Tim Bruster and his wife, Susan, Rev. Phyllis McDougal and Caren Walker from our staff, and our many other laity — leave for Puerto Viejo to once again spread God’s love beyond our walls.
Due to extensive flooding in the area, thousands of people in Costa Rica have fled their homes in search of higher ground. The Agape Evangelical Methodist Church sanctuary and the Medical Clinic, structures our congregation have help build over the past 10 years, have been serving as places of refuge for approximately 285 people affected by the floods. Thanks to the generosity of our congregation, the team will take donated items such as shoes, sandals and clothing, as well as dental and other needed supplies for the relief effort. Please keep the Costa Rica Mission team in your prayers.
Crossroad Singers This Sunday!
Sunday, July 12, 2015 | 9:30 & 11:00 am Sanctuary Services
Join us Sunday to enjoy the music of The Crossroad Singers joined by Taylor Davis on piano and the Choral Union.
Both folk musicians in high school and college, Kent Kilbourne, then an associate pastor of our church, and David Grant decided to form a group at FUMCFW and in 1997, The Crossroad Singers came to be. Kent left the group in 2001 when he was appointed senior pastor at Aledo UMC, but returned to the group on his retirement in 2013. In addition to Grant and Kilbourne, current members of the group are: Trish HIll, Justin Holt, Jeff Siewert, Tracey Smith, and Ron White. One of the selections on Sunday, “Blessed Grace” was written especially for this service by David Grant.
New Summer Staff Hours
In order to coordinate schedules and streamline staffing to maximize our summer productivity — and to be good stewards of all our summer resources — our FUMCFW staff will be working longer days Monday through Thursday beginning Monday, July 6 through Friday, September 4. In exchange, staff will work half days on Fridays. Clergy and lay staff required to work on Sundays will be off all day on Fridays. The office will be open Monday – Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Friday 8:00 am to Noon.
Because so many of our staff members are traveling this summer on mission trips, personal vacations, and continuing education — or they may just be out and about locally or elsewhere on campus when not in their offices — if you are looking for someone and can’t find them, please contact Rhonda Gaber in the Church Office at (817/336-7277) or Rev. Page Hines, Executive Pastor, at (817/339-5063). Both Page and Rhonda have the master schedule and everyone’s mobile number and will be glad to help you access the staff member and information you need!
New Members
Known Hospitalized
Beverly Taylor
Betty Wright
In Memoriam
Betty Kelly
Brandon Martin
Shannon McCall-West
Have some exciting news about an FUMCFW member that you would like to share? This section of the E-news is the perfect place to do just that! Please send your information to Lisa Helm (lhelm@myfumc.org) and we will include your story!
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Summer Studies 2015
6.3 – 8.19 Movies, Books & Theology
Wednesdays | 9:30 – 11:00 am | Room 154
Rev. Phyllis McDougal
This class will examine how God’s presence is always around us and how God moves in and through our world — even through the books we read and the movies we watch! The group is open all summer, so come when you can. To register of for more information contact Gayle Ammerman (gammerman@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5091.
All the Light We Can Not See
by Anthony Doerr
7.1 & 7.15 Discuss
Woman in Gold
7.22 Watch | 7.29 Discuss
Enchanted Cottage
8.5 Watch | 8.12 Discuss
8.19 Class Field Trip
Location to be determined
Visit the Summer Studies page for brief descriptions of the books and movies covered in this study
Summer Book Study
Every Monday in July | 6:00 – 7:00 pm | Room 154
Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen
Take a break from the July heat and read a book to refresh your faith. Led by Rev. Casey Orr, this group will discuss a powerful, yet simple little book; it invites rich conversation starting with the affirmation that everyone is loved by God and can enjoy “the life of the beloved.” To register or for more information contact Gayle Ammerman (gammerman@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5091
Click here to for more information about our Summer Studies opportunities
Baptism 101
Offered the First Sunday of every Month
11:00 am | Room 230 | Led by Rev. Casey Orr
Baptism is a special moment in the life of a church, a family — and an individual! If you’re considering baptism for your child or children in the coming year, please join us for this single one-hour class where we will: Define the sacrament of baptism Explore the United Methodist Church’s understanding of baptism Discuss the logistics of a baptism at FUMC Fort Worth Learn how to schedule a baptism at FUMC Fort Worth Consider any questions we may have about baptism Connect with other parents All parents (and their children) or parents-to-be are welcome to this very special hour. There is no cost to join the class; however, we do ask that you register online below, or by contacting Gayle Ammerman (gammerman@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5091, so that we can prepare accordingly.
Visit the Adult Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
7.13 – 17 Vacation Bible School 2015
Registration Is Closed | No Walk Ups This Year
9:00 am – Noon | Meet in Wesley Hall | FUMCFW
Children ages 3 years through 6th grade
VBS Celebration Sunday | July 19 | 11:00 am | FUMCFW | Sanctuary
Experience God’s Love in Action! In this mission-focused VBS, kids will learn and live God’s unstoppable love at the G-Force Adventure Park and discover how fueling up on God’s Word will change their lives forever. With tons of movement, action and fun, your child will learn to share God’s great love with the world!
We Have Some Volunteer Opportunities This Summer!
Children’s Ministry REALLY needs some help this summer. Please take a look at the following volunteer opportunities:
Sunday Mornings
We need teachers from 9:30 – 10:45 am and 11:15 am – Noon on these dates:
July 26 | August 9, 16, 23, 30
No one has to commit to all of the Sundays, just let us know which dates work for you! Nancy Froman will lead our summer film festival — “The Gospel According to Pixar” and Mr. Mark will lead a class on the parables of Jesus — “Once Upon a Parable.” Additionally, we will also have our popular Play Together, Pray Together class — 9:30 am only.
If anyone is interested in helping out with the things listed below, please contact Janice Cooper (jcooper@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5093.
Visit the Children’s Ministry page for more information on programs and activities.
Visit the FUMC Day School page for more information on programs and activities.
July Mission Sundays: Sunscreen, Insect Repellent, and Rain Ponchos
During the month of July, please bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and rain ponchos to the First Street Methodist Mission, Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm or to the Welcome Center on Sunday Morning.
Visit the Compassion & Justice Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
7.14 Rezound! Handbell Choir Concert
7:00 pm | Sanctuary
Admission is free | Donations welcome
FUMCFW is thrilled to welcome Rezound!, an auditioned community handbell ensemble located in the greater Kansas City area. This special engagement is part of the ensemble’s 2015 Tour to Pinnacle, a Handbell Musicians of America event, where they will perform a showcase concert.
Established in June 2001, Rezound! members share a passion for creating exceptional music and promoting the art of this versatile instrument. The group performs a wide range of musical styles, from classical and sacred to folk tunes and original compositions, with a lively and unique sound that integrates a variety of handbell instrumentation. Be sure to mark your calendars for this special performance to hear handbells in a whole new way! Click here for more information.
Visit the Music & Worship Arts page for more information on programs and activities.
Camp Barnabas
July 18 – 24, 2015 | Purdy, MO
FUMCFW Youth are headed back to Camp Barnabas this summer for a week of swimming, camping, and playing with amazing campers dealing with mental disabilities. This is an incredible week of life-changing experiences sure to change perspectives, redefine disability, and spread God’s love in an unforgettable way!
Questions? Contact Brenda Kegans (bkegans@myfumc.org) at 817/339-3888.
7.19 Youth Trip To Hurricane Harbor
12:30 – 9:00 pm | Drop off and pick up at the Justin Building
$35 includes admission to the park/lunch
RSVP by Sunday, July 12
Grab your suit and join us for a cool, wet break from the summer heat at Hurricane Harbor! Lunch is included in the cost but please bring money for snacks and dinner at the park. Please RSVP to Brenda Kegans (bkegans@myfumc.org) at 817/339-3888.
Visit the Youth page for more information on programs and activities.
MEMORIAL GIFTS
Foundation Memorial Fund in Memory Of:
Dr. Lee Etier III by Susan and Julian Green, Jr.